Relating To Public Notices.
The bill, if enacted, will have significant implications for existing laws governing the publication of public notices in Hawaii. It modifies the Hawaii Revised Statutes, specifically Section 1-28.5, and various other sections, which traditionally mandated that notices be published in newspapers of general circulation. The proposed amendments are expected to enhance government transparency by making it easier for citizens to locate important public information without the need for intermediary print media.
House Bill 1411 pertains to the publication of public notices by government agencies in Hawaii. The primary amendment proposed by the bill is to shift the requirement for public notices from traditional newspapers to the official websites of the relevant state or county departments. This change aims to modernize the way public notices are disseminated and improve accessibility for residents who may not have easy access to print publications. In addition to posting notices online, supplemental notices could also be distributed through Hawaii FYI, the State's interactive computer system.
Notably, there may be contention surrounding this shift away from newspapers. Critics could argue that the change might reduce the visibility of notices, particularly among residents who are not internet savvy or lack reliable internet access. This concern raises questions about equity and access, as the transition to digital-only notices could potentially alienate segments of the population who rely on print media for information. Supporters, however, would argue that the move aligns with modern practices of communication and acknowledges the increasing digital engagement of the community.